“Come to Mommy,” beckoned Holly to baby Jessica. Jess took a few steps and boom! fell into her mother’s arms.

“Great try, “ Holly crooned. They sat on the floor and began to stack colorful wooden blocks. Within minutes, Jess was pulling up on the couch and reaching for her favorite toy truck. Jess turned and grinned. Then she lunged toward her dad, taking six steps before landing on his lap.

“Whoa, you’re brave,” said Holly. She marveled at her 10 month-old’s courage to try again. She thought of her own waning courage a few months prior at the roller rink. Trying to exercise off post-baby pounds, she quit after two falls. She ached for days, wondering if she needed X-rays. Maybe I just need a mom or dad to catch me, she pondered.

* * * * * * * * *

“Have a wonderful time,” encouraged Holly as Jessica left for church camp. “Call if you need anything.”

“Mom, I’m fine. Don’t worry about a thing,” said the confident eleven-year old. Seeing her dad’s tear, she ran back for one last hug from mom and dad and the little ones. Jordan was six and a bit worried about big sister/ confidant leaving for a week. He was also worried about being “sibling-in-charge” to help with the twins—16 months old and learning to walk. They were into everything—including current unsuccessful attempts to escape from their stroller.

“I’m so proud of you honey,” Holly told Jess. “Just have fun!” Holly worried that Jess had too much on her shoulders. Jess was a typical “oldest”—very responsible and organized. She doted on the younger kids, did well in school and loved life. Her recent preparation for baptism by immersion assured them all that she was firm in her walk with the Lord. Pastor Lena said she’d never worked with such a mature eleven-year-old.

* * * * * * * * * * *

“You look beautiful Jess,” said Holly to the 22-year-old bride. “Your dad would have been a basket case,” she added.

“Oh mom, I feel like he’s here with us now- and Jordy too. It was hard to believe five years had passed since the accident. It seemed like such a good idea for Jordan and his dad to camp for a weekend. Pictures of them smiling and laughing were testimony to the bond they shared. The camera, one of many items recovered from the wreck survived. A drunken teen driver crossed the center line and hit head-on. Four fatalities—two in each car.—were not the only victims. Jess, Holly, Julie and Jill as well as family members of the teenagers; for these victims, life continued.

“Hurry, mom. It’s time for you to walk me down the aisle. I can’t wait to see Brandon in his tux.” She rolled her eyes at the thought of her fiancée.

* * * * * *

“OOOOH, we’re almost to the finish line,” said Jill with excitement over-riding the exhaustion in the five mile Run For The Cure breast cancer event.

“Only three blocks left. Come on Jess and Julie,” she encouraged her sisters.

“I feel another boost of energy.” said Jess. “ Lots of angels are helping us along, I think.”

“Yeah, I feel the spirit - kicking me right in the pants,” joked Julie. They laughed.

The three sisters wore matching outfits with their names embroidered on sun visors. About the same size, they could pass for triplets. With all of the tragedy in their lives, they had grown especially close. They often talked about their resiliency. All agreed that God worked wonders but they needed to do their part to remain positive. Participating in this run was but one example.

They reached the finish line, joined hands and ran across. Then they hugged a big triple hug like they had done for 22 years.

“Look, here comes mom and Aunt Lynnie” said Jess, looking to the south where they could view a sea of walkers who had opted for a shorter route.”

“Listen—what are they singing?” asked Julie. Listening intently, they heard strains of a familiar old hymn…..
Order my steps, in Your word
Guide my feet, in Your word
Wash my heart, in Your word
Show me how to walk, in Your word.

The girls joined arms and giggled as they walked a ring-around-the- rosy circle, singing along.

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The episodes are well written. I only wish they were alittle bit more explanatory. You expect the reader to read a lot in between the lines! But the writing style and POVs are very good. A good read indeed!